Summer BBQ’s, picnics, and parties can offer multiple opportunities to blow your diet and overindulge. Instead of missing out on all the fun, why not bring along a few healthy summer snacks to curb your cravings? Whether you’re heading to a beach luau or simply want to veg in front of the A/C, these healthy snacks are perfect for summer or anytime of the year.

Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit is a lifesaver during the summer months. One bite cools you off and delivers a refreshingly icy treat. Pop a bunch of grapes and berries into the freezer and have them on hand for healthy snacking throughout the day. You can also freeze small bits of fruit in ice cube trays for a unique and refreshing drink experience.

Ice Pops

Avoid purchasing those sugar-laden frozen popsicles from your grocer’s freezer aisle; instead, make your own popsicles at home! Not only will they be better for you, they’ll taste great and even the pickiest kids won’t be able to resist.

Use your favorite 100% fruit juice blend, pour into ice cub tray, and cover with plastic wrap. Stick a toothpick or popsicle stick into each section and wait for the ice pops to freeze. When done, remove the plastic wrap and you have an entire tray of refreshing summer snacks ready to go!

Veggie Kabobs

Even the kids won’t complain about eating their vegetables when you make them look so colorful and appealing. Grab a few skewers and string a variety of veggies like green and red bell peppers, mushrooms, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes onto each kabob. For extra picky eaters, have a few low-fat dips available or low-fat ranch dressing to add a bit of extra flavor without a lot of additional calories.

String Cheese and Crackers

For a quick summer snack that takes seconds to prepare, a few saltines and string cheese from the grocery store can do wonders to tide you over before dinner. Grab 5 or 6 crackers and a string cheese for a protein jolt to curb mid-afternoon hunger pangs without going overboard. This snack works great for kids, too!

Hummus

Hummus is delicious, filling, and very healthy when compared to other dips or spreads. There are many varieties of store-bought hummus to choose from, but if you’re feeling creative you can easily whip up a batch of homemade hummus.

Serve with slices of pita bread, bagel chips, or even vegetables for a satisfying summer snack that won’t break the bank or your diet.

Cottage Cheese and Apples

It sounds weird, I know — especially when you are used to peanut butter or caramel dip with your apple slices. However, this interesting combination is surprisingly tasty, and if you use low-fat cottage cheese, it’s very good for you too.

Just slice up an apple, top with a dollop of cottage cheese, and you’ll have a healthy summer snack you can feel good about. If you aren’t a huge fan of apples, try half of a sliced pear instead. Yummy!

It’s hot outside, and you don’t want to be without a few munchies to get you through those long summer days. Instead of reaching for the nearest bag of potato chips or box of cookies, try one of these healthy summer snacks on for size. Not only are they good for you, but they’re absolutely delicious — even your kids will love them!

What are your favorite snacks to make during the summer?

——

(Original photo by Eric Bartholomew, used under Creative Commons license.)